Bring It On! Fact Sheet

Bring It On: Rising to Meet the Challenge of High School

“Bring It On” is a four day, residential, leadership program that brings together a diverse group of rising 9th graders from throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg to discuss leadership, self awareness, diversity and inclusion as they relate to the high school experience.  The program was developed in response to CCSJ youth leaders and parents who expressed an interest in engaging with CCSJ at an earlier age.  With an understanding of how important the transition into high school is as a milestone in a young person’s life, and an awareness of the diversity present in our local high schools, the program was developed to equip youth for a successful four years and to serve as an entry point into CCSJ programs.

WHAT

“Bring It On” prepares youth entering into high school to be involved in leadership activities that promote inclusion and equity.  Participants engage in activities and workshops that help them to understand who they are, what kind of leader they want to be, and how to promote inclusion through their leadership.  Entering high school can be an anxiety provoking time, with many opportunities offered, both positive and negative.  “Bring It On” gives rising 9th graders an opportunity to interact with young leaders who are in high school and to determine what kind of high school student they want to be.

“Bring It On” strives to achieve the following:

  • Prepare youth for leadership in high school
  • Prepare youth for diversity issues related to the high school experience
  • Promote confidence and the ability to step out of the mainstream and be yourself
  • Build self awareness & self confidence
  • Build sense of community and a team environment
  • Develop ability to appreciate & celebrate diversity

WHO

Students who attend “Bring It On” should be:

  • Entering the 9th grade next school year.
  • Diverse across all lines of difference including, race, gender, economic status, religion/faith tradition, ability, etc. – “Bring It On” is not just for minorities, but for every group that is represented in these areas of difference.
  • Ideally, coming from a wide range of schools and areas of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
  • Have an interest in, potential for or experience with leadership (defined in the broadest sense).
  • Able to attend a week-long, residential program.
  • Stable enough emotionally and mentally to handle the program, in terms of issues addressed and length of program.

WHEN

The program will be held Sunday, June 27th through Wed, June 30th.

WHERE

The program will be held at Browns’ Summit Conference Center, located just outside of Greensboro.

HOW

Students who are interested in attending “Bring It On” can fill out the initial registration form attached to the brochure and return it to us or a school staff member.  They can also sign up online at www.charlottecoalition.org.  We handle the registration process from there.

BENEFITS

There are numerous personal benefits for the students who attend “Bring It On”, including decreased anxiety and uncertainty about high school, an increased sense of direction in high school, a greater confidence and pride in their own identity and heritage, a sense of belonging and purpose, a chance to make a difference in their community, and leadership development.

At the beginning of the school year, “Bring It On” participants will meet with supportive staff and other CCSJ youth leaders at their high school.  They will immediately be connected to this network, and often have opportunities to join or be part of developing diversity and leadership related initiatives in the school.  These efforts, in turn, build a more inclusive and respectful school environment.  CCSJ staff provide ongoing support and programming for “Bring It On” graduates throughout their high school years.

POTENTIAL BARRIERS & HOW WE ADDRESS THEM

  • Scholarships are available based on need.  Students can indicate their need for a scholarship by checking the box on the application.  We are also flexible with the registration fee if that poses a barrier.
  • Dietary needs are accommodated as much as they can be within a cafeteria-style setting.
  • Most disabilities can be accommodated particularly if we know ahead of time.
  • Space/accommodations can be made for practice of religious traditions.
  • Transportation is provided to and from the retreat center where “Bring It On” is held.

STAFF

  • The program has a high student to staff ratio (generally there are 5-7 students for every adult present).  Staff consists of CCSJ full-time staff, trained adult volunteers from the community, and CCSJ college and high school leaders who have engaged in this work for at least one year and have been trained as peer counselors.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you, a student or a parent has ANY questions or concerns, please contact the CCSJ Youth Program Coordinators,
Lacey Williams – lwilliams@charlottecoalition.org
 Thanh-Thu Luong – tluong@charlottecoalition.org
704.334.0053